from Jennifer Phillips, Keshet CEO
Happy Independence Day! As someone who loves summer, the Fourth of July is one of my favorite days, full of fireworks, barbecues and family. While we celebrate our country’s independence, I also think of the many ways Keshet participants are gaining independence—learning new skills, choosing how to spend their free time or going down a zipline designed just for them. Every day, they show us what true freedom and self-determination can look like. Your support makes this possible. Thank you so much for being part of our community!
Recently, we discovered a new reason to love summer: Keshet participated in the Illinois Special Olympics Summer Games for the first time. Six athletes qualified in swimming and track and field, bringing home seven medals. But beyond the competition, the experience was truly empowering. Our athletes navigated dorm life at ISU, ate in the cafeteria, practiced their sports, marched in the opening ceremony and gained new levels of independence. One dad shared that his daughter’s gait and walking have noticeably improved since joining Keshet Special Olympics, changes that will benefit her health and confidence long into the future.
The incredible growth in Keshet’s Special Olympics program over the past year is a result of our exceptional staff having an idea and putting it into action for the benefit of our participants. Our staff have a lot more planned for the rest of 2025, including these highlights:
Growing our lineup of accessible travel: We want more kids and adults to vacation without their parents to explore, have fun and discover what they can do on their own. Keshet’s expanded Gesher overnight camp and adult travel programs now include trips designed for accessibility, welcoming even more participants. Just yesterday, campers, including three using wheelchairs, returned from Gesher, and later this summer other campers will head to a fully-accessible camp in Indiana, while adults venture to STARS Ranch in Colorado.
Adding more Jewish experiences for adults: We will be offering three new Jewish engagement opportunities for adults this summer and into the fall: Herb farming with the Institute of Soil & Soul, Israeli Cooking and a Melton Class adapted for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each of these programs is possible because of generous grant support from JUF.
Planning big for the 2025-26 school year: Keshet’s three therapeutic day schools continue to be in-demand. Enrollment is increasing by 25% along with introducing a new curriculum and standards-aligned instruction. We’re working hard to meet the increasing need for services in the community while ensuring that students have even more avenues to reach their goals.
Beginning construction on Keshet’s community center: Architecture plans are finalized, our contractor is ready and almost all permits are in hand. We anticipate construction starting any day now. Although we won’t be moving to the space until 2026, keep an eye out for community events and fundraising in support of the new center. You can learn more about what the center will offer and the One Community Campaign at keshet.org/home.
These programs are just a sampling of what’s in store over the next six months, and I want you to be part of it all. Mark your calendar for Keshet’s Annual Benefit Concert on Saturday, November 15. We’ll be sharing the news of the awesome band and other details in August.
Have a wonderful Fourth of July with your friends and family!
Best wishes,
Jen Phillips
